Minimum wage forecast from pro-government media: They wrote it down to the last cent! 3 different scenarios

As 2025, a year marked by economic difficulties and political uncertainty, draws to a close, the most curious topic for millions of workers has become the 2026 minimum wage. Despite the rising cost of living, the government's limited steps in wage policies have further increased citizens' expectations for the new year.

The AKP government's decision to reduce the minimum wage increase, which was previously made twice a year, to a single period with the latest regulation has further reduced the purchasing power of the working class. Thus, millions have continued to struggle to live below the poverty line.

THE CLUE CAME FROM PRO-GOVERNMENT MEDIA

While uncertainty continues regarding what the minimum wage will be, the first concrete clue on the subject came from a newspaper known for its proximity to the government. Sabah newspaper columnist Faruk Erdem made assessments based on the 2026 Central Budget Law Proposal in his article titled "Support for the minimum wage from the budget."

According to what Erdem reported, the item allocated for minimum wage support in the budget prepared by the government drew attention. The size of this item provided an idea about the possible increase rates to be made in the new year.

FIGURES DERIVED FROM BUDGET DATA

Faruk Erdem recalled that the year-end inflation rate for 2025 is projected at 28.5 percent in the Medium-Term Program (OVP). Based on these rates, calculations were made to determine what levels the minimum wage could reach for 2026.

According to the estimates, in the event of a 28.5 percent increase:

Gross minimum wage: 33 thousand 417 TL

Net minimum wage: calculated as 28 thousand 403 TL.

In the event that the increase rate is 30 percent:

Gross wage: 33 thousand 807 TL

Net wage: projected as 28 thousand 736 TL.

When considering a 35 percent increase as the final scenario:

Gross wage: 35 thousand 107 TL

Net wage: corresponds to the level of 29 thousand 841 TL.

RESULTS WILL AWAIT THE OFFICIAL DECISION

It was stated that the new figures for the minimum wage were estimated based on the 2026 Central Budget Law Proposal and Medium-Term Program data. However, it was reported that the official increase rate will become clear after the Minimum Wage Determination Commission meetings to be held in December.